Contents

Biography and History

The Marquis de Lafayette was a French general and political leader born of a
distinguished family. Enthusiastic over the news of the American Revolution, he
left France to join George Washington's army. He arrived in Philadelphia in
1777, where Congress appointed him a major general. After a trip to France in
1779-80, where he negotiated for French aid, he returned to America and served
with distinction in the Virginia campaign that ended with the surrender of the
British general Lord Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. After returning to
France in 1782 and allying himself with the revolutionary bourgeoisie, he became
one of the most powerful men during the first few years of the French
Revolution. His prestige was largely responsible for the installation of Louis
Philippe as king of the French. Lafayette's unswerving courage, integrity, and
idealism made him a popular symbol of the bond between France and the United
States. Lafayette was made an honorary Doctor of Laws by the Trustees of the
College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1790 in recognition of his
contribution to the American cause of independence. The Marquis named his son
George Washignton Lafayette. His direct descendants, members of the Chambrun
family, are honorary U.S. citizens. The modern French flag was created by
Lafayette in July, 1789, by combining the royal white with the blue and red of
Paris.

Source: From the finding aid for C1105

Related Materials

Consists of selected correspondence and documents of the Marquis de Lafayette,
French soldier, statesman, and liberal leader, who was a general in the American
Revolutionary army and a close friend of George Washington.

Consists of selected correspondence and documents of the Marquis de Lafayette,
French soldier, statesman, and liberal leader, who was a general in the American
Revolutionary army and a close friend of George Washington.